The
Pentagon confirmed Friday that a Chinese fighter intercepted a U.S.
Navy P-8A
Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA). According to images
released by the Pentagon, the Chinese Jet appears to be a Shenyang J-11BH
likely belonging to the "People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force"
(PLANAF) 8th fighter division based in Jialaishi airbase on the Island
of Hainan.

The PLANAF J-11BH which conducted the interception. Note the two PL-8
and two PL-12 air to air missiles. Pictures: US DoD

According
to Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby the interception was “very
close, very dangerous, pretty aggressive and very unprofessional.”
He said the intercept took place on Tuesday 135 miles (200 km) east
of Hainan Island. He said the Chinese fighter jet flew as close as 20
to 30 feet (7 to 10 meters) to the P-8A Poseidon MPA and conducted a
barrel roll over the plane.

“The Chinese jet also passed the nose of the P-8 at 90 degrees
with its belly towards the P-8 Poseidon, we believe to make a point
of showing its weapons load,” he said. It then “flew
directly under and alongside the P-8, bringing their wing tips to within
20 feet, and then conducted a roll … over the P-8, passing within
45 feet,” Kirby added.

Based on the pictures, J-11BH was fitted with two PL-8 short range air
to air missiles and two PL-12 medium range air to air missiles during
these maneuvers.